‘We won’t be preached to’ – demand for transparency
Call for meetings to be made public
COUNCILLORS are to insist that future meetings to discuss a market town regeneration plan should be viewed by the public.
Consultants Cushman and Wakefield were commissioned by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council to deliver a regeneration programme for Cheadle.
However, the report, which drew fierce criticism, cost taxpayers across the district almost £60,000.
Following the report, anger erupted as options included building a community hub on Tape Street car park and houses on the sites of the hospital, leisure centre and Newlands Care Home.
But Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, who have now set up a stakeholder panel which has representatives from many organisation, have always insisted that the public views will decide on the regeneration programme for the town.
The panel has now met for the first time, but at last week’s meeting of Cheadle Town Council members agreed that future meetings must be open to the public via the internet.
Councillor Ray Wood, below, said: “I was surprised that this meeting was on, I never got a reminder. It was not open to the public. People want to know what is happening at this meeting.
“Tell Staffordshire Moorlands District Council we want it shown on the web. It is a matter of urgency that it is out to the public. We must insist that this is done. We should ask the clerk to write demanding the meetings should be open. We want the best for Cheadle.
“No one wants to see the leisure centre and hospital bulldozed. We will not see this happen.”
Councillor Greg Powell said the question must be asked for a reason the meetings are not open to the public.
He said: “The first thing that should happen is that the reference for the options at the leisure centre and hospital are removed.”
Councillor Hugh Black said the biggest problem was communication.
He said: “It is important to note that what we are planning is the consultation process. We have got to get the right consultants to do it.”
Cheadle town mayor, Ian Plant, who chaired the first stakeholder meeting, said that many representatives from organisations had attended. He said: “It was a good meeting. We have now set up a sub group. Consultation is going ahead and there will be minutes and media releases straight away.
“Everyone will get a view of it. We are moving forward. “Consultation will be outsourced to a company who will do the job for Cheadle. We will not be preached to.”
Councillor Kate Martin said at the first meeting it was made clear that information must be sent out.
She said: “Transparency is what it is all about. The first meeting was well run. There has been an idea that every household gets a questionnaire asking what people want for Cheadle.”
Councillors agreed to write to the Moorlands council insisting that future meetings of the stakeholder panel were put on the web.
A PROMINENT building in the heart of a Staffordshire Moorlands market town is now available for new tenants.
Leek Town Council is in search of a new tenant for Bank House on St Edwards Street.
The Grade II listed premises are located on the corner of St Edward Street and High Street.
The building, which is now back on the market for tenancy as commercial premises, had been used for many years as a base for volunteer services.
Leek town mayor, Councillor Stephen Wales, said: “Bank House was purchased by Leek Town Council in 1984 for the general benefit of the town’s residents.
“Previous organisations using the building have included a drop-in centre, a radio station, talking books, community transport and various activities promoting health and mental wellbeing. As requirements change, the principal tenancy with Support Staffordshire has now terminated.
“The council is therefore looking for a new partner to take on the future usage of this fine building.
“For now, we have put it up for commercial letting with the Leek-based estate agents Graham Watkins & Co.
“We shall be happy to review any proposals to use either part of or the entire premises. All options will be considered. The building is in excellent condition and available for immediate occupation.
“As before, the town council’s principle objective remains to ensure that any beneficial income from this asset will be directed to the wellbeing of residents of Leek and their community needs.”
For more information, you can email: enquiries@grahamwatkins.co.uk or call them on 01538 373 308.
For Leek Town Council, you can email: office@leektowncouncil.gov.uk or call the town clerk on 01538 381 271.
A STAFFORDSHIRE Moorlands village is to launch a new project costing £42,000 later this month.
Endon with Stanley Parish Council has announced that work on a new playground is scheduled to begin on February 22 and will be completed in mid March.
Parish councillors Selena Carey, Val Harris, Christina Jebb, John Sambrook and Suzanne Sillitoe have been working with Endon Park Regeneration Project fundraisers to design a new and exciting play area for children under the age of twelve.
The project has been led by a dedicated, innovative and energetic group of mums Janina Barnett, Holly Bull, Zoe Carrier, Lisa Jennings and Dawn Porter-hargreaves. In less than two years they have raised more than £30,000 to fund the project with the total cost of £42,000 made up by the parish council.
Chairman of the parish council, Suzanne Sillitoe, said: “On behalf of the whole community we would like to thank EPRP for the contribution they have made to revitalise this well-used and well-loved park. Without their help the realisation of this project would only be a very distant dream.
“The park was gifted to the parish council in 1925 as a War Memorial Recreation Ground for the children of Endon and has proved to be a favourite meeting hub for generations ever since. The parish council hosted our WW1 Commemoration in 2018 at this park and it was then agreed that its original name should be amalgamated with its current identity, so the park has a new name Station Road Memorial Park to match its new look.
“Our community links with Churnet Valley Railway have been endorsed with the CVR logo on the side of the Toddler Express which will travel anywhere in the child’s imagination. The park is designed with inclusivity in mind, the swirl roundabout can accommodate both buggies and wheelchair users, the nest swing is safe for all abilities and the multiplay has a raft of challenges for all under twelves.
“We all hope that the new equipment will bring lots of enjoyment to a new generation of children who deserve the freedom to play.”
Meanwhile the parish council has agreed not to increase their share of the council tax for the forthcoming year. The council is to precept for £30,000 for 2021/22 the same as last year which means that a Band D property owner will pay £22.73 to the authority per year.
The parish council decided unanimously on no increase, taking on board the current pandemic situation and the effects resulting in financial difficulties for some parishioners, and local businesses.
The parish council employs a part time clerk and has the responsibility for running the lawn cemetery; local playgrounds, play areas and picnic areas.
The council also looks after local tidiness and garden areas some on the roadside verge by employing a lengthsman and gardener to oversee. They also organise and are involved in many local events.